Treasure of the Black Falconby John Coleman BurroughsA journey to the center of an Atlantian abyss,
many-thousand leagues under the sea,to find gold, adventure, romance, drug addiction,and the progeny of creatures from beyond the farthest
planet?Part 3 of a SeriesReview and Fan LettersFrom theJohn Coleman Burroughs Correspondence File

JCB's last novel, Treasure of the Black Falcon,
was published by Ballantine Books, Inc., March 1967.

It had been written twenty years earlier but was
shelved and forgotten after numerous rejections.

During the Burroughs boom of the '60s, however,
brother Hulbert came across the manuscript and submitted it to Ballantine
Books where it was eagerly accepted.

John Coleman's dedication in the book reads: "To
my brother Hulbert who found the Treasure."

Ballantine's cover blurb reads: "A new name in
fantastic adventure -- a name that perpetuates the best traditions of the
creator of the Tarzan and Mars books. Bursting with action, packed with
new ideas, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON is thrilling adventure in the grand
tradition. Ballantine Books is proud to be the publisher of JOHN COLEMAN
BURROUGHS."

This story
is one which can be added to the still comparatively slim shelf of marvelous
undersea adventure. With the publication of the long awaited Treasure of
the Black Falcon" it is a pleasure to welcome the Burroughs by-line on
a new book once again. John Coleman writes with some inevitable echoes
of Edgar Rice in this science fantasy novel.

What starts out as a routine
treasure hunt in a submarine of advanced design turn into a true "voyage
to the bottom of the sea". The sub is caught up in a powerful under ocean
current and swept down some 3500 fathoms to a great air-filled crater.
There the treasure hunters encounter a strange race of telepathic creatures
from interstellar space, the Jogulars, whose individual members are each
a giant brain. These brains, when in the embryo form, take over the bodies
of newly drowned men and animals, eventually replacing them with solid
brain tissue which has become physical simulacra of the deceased. Nearly
immortal, the brain men, with all the instincts, memories and emotions
of the former humans feel that they really are that human or animal, as
the case may be.

The underwater crater realm
of the brain men is a "lost world" to rank with Caspak. Our explorers arrive
in time to be caught up in the middle of a factional fight between ancient
Roman and Georgian British brain men. Some members of the submarine crew,
dying from various causes, including the violent, are resurrected to a
strange after-life, and provide the eventual balance of power when it is
needed. For romance there is the love of the skipper of the sub and its
girl co-owner, who is incidentally the descendant of the captain of the
sunken treasure vessel and now the leader of the British brain men.

"Treasure of the Black Falcon"
is a straightforward and unabashed adventure story, whose sole purpose
is to entertain, and it succeeds in that endeavor more often than not.
You must take it for what it is. It has no social significance, points
no moral, and neither poses nor solves any problems. The sub crew meet
with some highly improbably natural phenomena, both at the bottom of the
sea and in the crater world. Science fiction fans may get mad. Actually,
while the reader will be apt to find the whole thing outrageously unbelievable
he will find himself hooked into reading on. There are no outstanding strong
characters, and a few superfluous ones, particularly the stowaway mute,
Bucky, who is killed off early to no particular purpose.

Burroughs Bibliophiles should
need no urging to buy and read this book, and they are sure to enjoy it.

March 21, 1967Allan Howard157 Grafton Avenue
Newark, N.J. 07104

Mr. John Coleman Burroughs
Tarzana, California
Dear Mr. Burroughs:
I have just finished and sent off, at Vernell Coriell's
request, a short review of "Treasure of the Black Falcon" for publication
in THE GRIDLEY WAVE (I think). I enjoyed the book, and think you will find
the review generally favorable.
However, there was one thing that I found most puzzling
and I would appreciate you telling me what it meant. On page 94 there is
a sentence referring to the underwater rifles that shoot pellets of salt.
It reads: "It was similar in principle to the later well-known Aqualian
rifle used by the hordes that overran the city of San Francisco.
It makes no sense, in or out of context with anything
else in the story. The only guess I can make at the moment is that you
did some revision, and it was a sentence that you forgot to remove. Or
perhaps it is an oblique reference to be used a as tie-in to some other
book you have written.
I will be looking forward with pleasure to any future
JCB books.
Very truly yours, (sig)
Allan Howard

1967John Erickson210 Biddulph Road,
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
Dear Sirs:
FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO CONGRATULATE JOHN COLEMAN
BURROUGHS FOR HIS NEW BOOK "TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON". A VERY GOOD
JOB INDEED. ITS AS GOOD AS MANY OF LATE FATHER'. I WISH HE HAD LIVED TO
SEE IT. I KNOW THAT WHEREVER HE IS RIGHT NOW THAT HE IS GAZING DOWN WITH
THE LOOK OF A VERY PROUD PARENT.
IF JCB SHOULD DECIDE TO CONTINUE WRITING MAY I MAKE
A SUGGESTION (ONE YOU'VE HEARD BEFORE AND WILL HEAR AGAIN I'M SURE)? WHY
NOT FINISH HIS FATHER'S UNCOMPLETED TARZAN, MARS, VENUS, POLODA, ETC. NOVELS
AND WHEN DONE CONTINUE ON WITH HIS OWN BOOKS. HE IS MUCH TOO TALENTED MERELY
TO BE THE MAN WHO COMPLETED HIS FATHER'S GREAT WORK. HE HAS AN ORIGINAL
MIND AND IT SHOULD BE DIVERTED INTO ORIGINAL CHANNELS. (HOW ABOUT YOU HULBERT,
CARE TO TAKE A WHACK AT IT?)
SECOND I HAVE HEARD OF A PUBLICATION COMING UP IN
MID-APRIL WHICH I MUST SAY SURPRISES ME. IT IS CALLED "THE HEART OF BURROUGH'S
JOURNALS" AND IT IS TO BE PUBLISHED BY KENNIKAT PRESS FOR $10. IT IS A
REPRINT. I NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THE FIRST PRINTING OR FOR THAT MATTER KENNITKAT
PRESS. I DON'T HAVE ITS ADDRESS AND NO BOOK STORE I HAVE EVER ASKED HAS
EITHER. DO YOU KNOW IT? I WOULD LOVE TO OBTAIN A COPY.
THIRD DO YOU STILL INTEND PUBLISHING ERB'S UNPUBLISHED
WORKS AND HART TO GET NOVELS? AND HAVE YOU DECIDED ON A DATE YET? IF SO
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO PUBLISH YET? SORRY I HAVE TO BOTHER YOU
ABOUT IT, BUT, I HAVE NO OTHER WAY OF FINDING OUT AND i SHOULD HATE TO
MISS OUT.

John Coleman Burroughs
c/o Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California 91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs:
I see in the latest issue of "The Gridley Wave"
that you would be "pleased to autograph" copies of Treasure of the Black
Falcon. My Goodness! I scarcely expected that. The volume came
out here (Champaign, Illinois, where I attend the University of Illinois)
last Thursday, so I have not had time to read it yet; however, I bought
two copies, so I should have it read by the time you receive this letter.
Could you please autograph the copy I am sending to you? And return
it ot my home, in Florida.
I have quite a few first editions of your father's
books in my collection, and I always enjoyed your illustrations. My favorite
would have to be those for Llana of GAthol. I recently obtained copies
of the magazine stories which you wrote with your brother - "The Bottom
of the World" being my favorite, but he other two being probably more "thought
provoking".
I understand that more volumes will follow Treasure.
I hope so! Thank you very much.
Yours sincerely, (sig)
Lawrence King

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
With this letter I am mailing a copy of your book
"Treasure of the Black Falcon" which I would like to have autographed by
yourself. IN a letter reproduced in Gridley Wave #2 your brother Hulbert
said that you were willing to autograph copies of book.
Since I know that you illustrated several of your
father's books I was wondering if you did the cover painting on "Falcon"?
Thank you very much for autographing the book and
you may be sure that I will cherish this first edition.
Thanks again, Kevin Toelle
P.S. I am enclosing some stamps for return postage.

March 24, 1967Tim A. Conrad3148 E. Carpenter
Springfield, Ill 62702

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
Well, you asked for it! I imagine you'll develop
writer's cramp autographing all these copies of TBF you must be
received. And, by God, I not one to miss out on a good opportunity
when it presents itself, so here's my copy. Actually, I bet its a lot of
fun! Especially all that wonderful mail!
I haven't read the book yet (too much homework!)
and will buy another copy for that purpose (preserving the autographed
one as a collector's item) but, when I have read it, I'll let you know
what I think of it. (I bet you're just dying to see that). But, if what
Hulbert said is true and only me and one other fan said we didn't like
Leiber's book, I might get a little critical. Oh well, that's later, right
now I'll release you to autograph....
Sincerely, (sig) Tim A. Conrad
P.S. sign it, with my name please, on the inside front cover. Thanx
again.

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
I just finished reading the new novel: Treasure
of the Black Falcon by John Coleman Burroughs and found it really exciting.
When I first picked it up I thought John Colman
Burroughs might have been a peseydeum (sic) of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but
when I read the deducation I was surprised you had an enterprsing b brother
for an author.
When is Ballantine going to publish more of your
dad's books. In one of your past letters to me, you mentioned that BAllantine
was going to publish "I am A Barbarian." And so far I haven't seen anything
on it yet. Is it going to be publsihed? Also by any chance do yo
know anything about the Rockwood Bomba books. Were they a series like Tarzan?
Are they a real British interputation by a born British author of Tarzan,
but different characters? When they where published were they published
here or abroad? What is the full name of the author who penned them? Has
he know or in the past written any other type of book. Did your father
by any chance know this author.
Also since Jungle Jim is a jungle novel can you
answer me some questions on this: Besides being a comic strip, was Jungle
Jim written in book form? Who was the author of Jungle Jim?
The reason why I am asking you so many questions,
is that since you know about the Tarzan books, that somehow working with
this type of material you might know something about this also.
What is this controversy about an unfinished Tarzan
story entitled Tarzan On Mars? Forry Ackerman every once in while
mentions this in his publications. Do you actually think you will ever
find an author to finish it, and have it published? How about Fritz Leiber
who wrote Tarzan and the VAlley of Gold?
Thank's for your time I am,
Sincerely Yours, (sig)
Harvey S. Bryce

March 26, 1967John Kissinger III Blue Mountain Academy
Hamburg, Penna. 19526
Hulbert Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California 91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
I just finished reading TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON,
and I think it is terrific. However, there were one or two things missing.
I can't remember finding out what sort of a fish could change itself into
the head of a human being. But I did enjoy reading it, and eagerly await
more books by your brother.
There hasn't been much said lately in the fanzines
about the John CArter movie. Is it still going to be, or has it been produced
yet? Is there any chance of obtaining scripts of it?
What is the news for I AM A BARBARIAN? To say the
least, I am axioms to read this.
Last of all, the first time I wrote to you, you
said that ERB's notebook might eventually b e published in a deluxe edition.
ARe there any developments along this line?
Thank you very much for your time, and until later
-- Jodades
Yours truly,
John Kissinger III

March 28, 1967James Belton64 Westman Road
Winchester,
Hants, England
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
A quick follow up to my letter did 28th March.
Are you interested in obtaining any of the early
English 1st Editions Burroughs titles? I see various 1st Eds. at times,
looking around the second hand bookshops. Naturally, you will have them
all, but possibly some issues are not in good condition.
Just before Easter I received a copy of Treasure
of the Black Falcon. sent by Rev. Hardy H. Heins. I have just finished
it, and I enjoyed it very much.. It certainly did cheer me up, and I should
like very much to congratulate your brother John Coleman Burroughs on a
great job.
I must explain further about cheering me up. For
some time I have been troubled with sharp pains in my chest (upper) and
last Thursday I was carrying a cup of coffee upstairs to my wife, when
this sudden pain overcame me, and I unfortunately dropped the cup. My wife
called for our doctor -- who, at once placed me on a diet, and I have to
see a specialist on 29th March at our local hospital. I certainly hope
all is well.

Warmest regards,
Sincerely
James Belton
For the attention of Hulbert Burroughs and John Coleman Burroughs

April 12, 1967Payton Williams3144 Coy Dr.
Akron, Ohio 44313

ERB INC. Tarzana, Calif. 91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs;
I would like to congratulate John Coleman on his
superb book. It was recognizable as a Burroughs work. I would like to see
the reprinting of the two (that's all I know of) short stories collaborated
upon by you and John Coleman. I also just obtained Fenton's "Big
Swingers", and although I haven't read all of it what I have read is quite
interesting.
The reason that I wrote this letter is to ask you
just exactly when Ballentine Books is printing "I Am A Barbarian"? Is Bob
Abbot to do the cover? Will the hardback edition be illustrated or have
a dust jacket? Thank you very much for the trouble I know this letter will
cause, I am,
Yours Sincerely, PAYTON WILLIAMS
pw/pw

Dear Jack:
Enclosed is an Application for Registration of a
Claim to Copyright in your book, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON. I
have filled out all necessary information and it will now require your
signature twice on Page 2 where I have indicated in red. The bottom
signature must be notarized.

After you have accomplished the foregoing, please
make out a check in the amount of $6.00 payable to the Registrar of Copyrights.
This represents the registration fee. Mail the application and check to
me, and I will mail ti with two copies of the book to the Registrar of
Copyrights.

I hope this pleasant task is only the first of many
copyright applications I will be able to make out for you.
Love,
HB
HB/mj
encl.

Dear John:
I am sorry to be so slow writing to thank you for
the autographed copy of Black Falcon. I wanted to keep this autographed
copy nice and clean for my collection. Therefore had to wait until I got
extra copies to read the story.
I enjoyed the story very much and just hope it sells
as well as it should. It certainly is different, with a well developed
plot as well as science. I might question why a metal helmet did not block
off thought waves, but this is not important. I can see some of your Dad
in the story but was glad to see that you did not try to copy his style.
I sure hope it does well and am sure it should.
Now I hope you can do a story around the
three paintings that Hully had in Oakland a few years back. With the
large insects and the beautiful paintings make me wild to read the story.
Thanks so much,
Stan

Hulbert:
It has been some time since I have placed myself
before a typewriter to write out a letter to you. I do hope that this letter
fines you in the best of health. As you can see I am not in Barstow, California,
but about 420 miles north of the area. Some weeks ago I received a transfer
from the Marine Corps Supply Center to Sixth US Army Audio-Visual Support
Center, Presidio of San Francisco, where I'm employed as a Motion Picture
Film INspector and ReClaimer (or just film editor and reclaimer)
A few days ago, or more like it, a week ago, picked
up a new novel that was written by someone who you do know quite well,
I do believe. THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON, By John Coleman Burroughs.
If I hadn't known that John was your brother and that Edgar, your father
was gone, well it was almost like reading another of Mr Burroughs outstanding
novels. Remember that I did say "Almost". I just wouldn't want John to
think that he is writting the same way, or style. It is very close, but
not the same, but he could write within the same style., The way that Ballantine
Books puts it, a name that perpetuates the best traditions of the creator
of the Tarzan and Mars books, bursting with action, packed with new ideas.
(Webbed together within a pattern that very few can dream of doing.)
I am very proud that I could read this work of new ideas that is so well
done. (John, I just didn't want to put the book down and I do feel the
same when I reread one of Edgar's stories.)
I picked out something from NEWSWEEK, April 10,
1967, within the section of Books. Titled: TARZAN, SON OF KALA. The
Book: The Big Swingers. Written by Robert W. Fenton. 258 Pages. Prentice-Hall.
Dual biography of Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) and of Tarzan (1912-eternity)
If I can get around to dig up the money , that will be hard to do,
I would like to get it and read it.
Some years ago, (a number of years) I did have one
of the first printing of Tarzan of the Apes. A.C. McClurg & Co. But
what happened to them, well I just couldn't put my finger on it.
And at last I found another of your father's works
the other day PIRATES OF VENUS. But there is still a few more that I just
don't have and some how I will get my hands on them to read and to keep.
Hulbert, have you done any writing?, I should've
ask t his before but never got around to it.
Before I bring this to a close, I do wish to say
something. There is a person that I can say at this time, that could fill
the bill of completing the unfinished novel that you have that your father
had left (not leaving you out of this and knowing that you can do a very
good job with the novel) and I was thinking of John Burroughs. No
one could tell that it wasn't completed by the master himself, that is
if John did complete or your self.
If you or John are ever up this way, in San Francisco,
please feel free to come by. Take good care of yourself.
Sincerely (sing)
Don Walker.

NO DATEDon WalkerPost Office Box 277
Tarzana, California
Mr. John Coleman Burroughs:
I am well pleased to know that you do appreciate
my kind words, that I had expressed to your brother Hulbert. And it is
all quite true; I am not the type to build a blind front. There is no need
to continue to say how gifted you are, etc., etc.
Has Hulbert shown you any of the other letters that
I have sent to him; no need to go into that.
I hope that Hulbert isn't to upset by asking him
about the list (shown on the new letter head) of your dad's works.
What do you think about the future of the incompleted
novel of Tarzan? I am being selfish, do to the fact, I would like to have
it.
John, would you like to work on a SF that is different
and holds a mystery? I have started the story but unable, or not
have the time to complete. I wouldn't want or ask for anything from you,
if you did complete it.
If you are ever in San Francisco, please feel free
to drop by -- I can serve you coffee.
Sincerely
Don Walker
336 1/2, 2nd Avenue
San Francisco 94118

May 23, 1967
Larry Gillihan

MR. JOHN COLEMAN BURROUGHS
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC.
DEAR MR. BURROUGHS:
THREE YEARS AGO, I DISCOVERED THE BALLANTINE SERIES
OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS' "TARZAN" NOVELS. AT THAT TIME, I BECAME ADDICTED
TO YOUR FATHER'S WORKS. I HAVE COLLECTED AND READ ALL THE BALLANTINE AND
ACE ISSUES UP TO "THE MUCKER". I ASSUME THIS IS THE LAST THAT EITHER OF
THEM PUBLISHED. WHEN I FINISHED "THE MUCKER", I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED
BECAUSE THERE WERE NO MORE OF MR. BURROUGHS' STORES TO READ. A FEW DAYS
AGO, I CHANCED UPON "THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON" AT A LOCAL DRUG
STORE. AFTER READING IT, MY AFOREMENTIONED DISAPPOINTMENT WAS LESSENED
SOMEWHAT BECAUSE, WHILE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN DEFINITE STYLE, THERE IS ENOUGH
OF YOUR FATHER'S STYLE IN YOUR WORK TO SATISFY THE CRAVING FOR MORE EDGAR
RICE BURROUGHS. I WILL BE EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR NEXT BOOK. MAY I POINT
OUT THAT I ENJOYED "THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON" NOT SOLELY BECAUSE
OF THE TOUCH OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, BUT BECAUSE IT IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN
STORY, AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE FROM COVER TO COVER. IT, AND YOUR FUTURE
STORIES, WILL REST ON MY BOOKSHELF BESIDE MY TREASURED EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
COLLECTION.
INCIDENTALLY, I'M SURE YOUR FATHER'S FANS THE WORLD
OVER WOULD BE OVERJOYED IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER DOING SOME NEW "TARZAN" AND
"JOHN CARTER" STORIES. CONGRATULATIONS, AND KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK.
SINCERELY (sig)
LARRY GILLIHAN
BOX 113
BONO, ARKANSAS

Dear Mr. Burroughs:
I have just finished reading your book Treasure
of the Black Falcon and I must say you did a great job! From the very
first page you held me as a willing captive. Only one other author has
ever done this to me and that was your father, the late, great Edgar Rice
Burroughs. I hope you continue the story in the future.
On April 26 of this year I was admitted late into
the Burroughs Bibliophiles. It fills me with pride to be a member of this
club and to take a more active part in encourageing the wider reading of
your father's books. As I understand, you are also a member. This brings
me to the real purpose of this letter. In the Gridly Wave #21 Hulbert
Burroughs invited the fans to mail their copies of your book to you to
have them autographed. I am taking advantage of this privilage and enclosing
three copies of the book so you might autograph them for me, I would be
very greatful. Also enclosed is some money for return postage.
When I first heard of the town of Tarzana I said
to myself. "Gee! I'll have to go there some day." This was quite few years
ago. May 26 I graduated from high school and I was free to make some definite
plans. The first was to go to Tarzana. It seems that that "some day" is
finally set! I was going to fly out (in a plane) but that would prevent
me from sight-seeing on the way out. I finally convinced my father to take
a trip out to California and said I would take care of most of the expenses.
The trip will also be rather late anniversary gift to mom and dad.
I was wondering if you could sort of fill me in
on the things to see while I am in Tarzana so I don't just stumble around
in the dark when we arrive. I would like so much to see your father's office
and to meet you or another member of the family. I would also like to know
if visitors are allowed to tour the offices and stockrooms of Edgar Rice
Burroughs, Inc. Any help you could give me would be deeply apreciated.
Our trip is set for August 12-23. I hope to see
you then. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely yours,
Alan Taylor (sig)
3 BOOKS AUTOGRAPHED 6/13/67 ~ LETTER REPLIED TO 7/17/67

Mr. Hulbert Burroughs
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, Inc.
Post Office Box 277
Tarzana, California
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
I have recently read your brother's Treasure
of the Black Falcon, and I enjoyed it very much. He certainly did a
fine job of writing. I am very glad that Ballantine did not choose to write
"BY THE SON OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS". That they didn't is fine and it shows
that John Coleman Burroughs can stand on his own two feet. By the way,
is your brother writing a sequel to it or is he going to stop as is? What
other material is Ballantine publishing of his?
Are there any plans for the eventual publication
of the manuscript Tarzan On Mars that Dick Lupoff referred to? (I'm
probably sticking my nose in too far.)
Has ERB, Inc. ever published any non-Burroughs'
material?
Thank you for your co-operation.
Sincerely (sig)
David Cantrell

October 28, 1967Dwayne Wolff411 Frederick Ave.
Bellwood, Ill., 60104

John Coleman Burroughs
c/o Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California
91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs;
I have read your book, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON,
and I enjoyed it very much. At the time I was reading it, I got a broken
arm while trying to preform a feat of physical ability. On the way
to the hospital, and while waiting to get my arm set, I read the book,
even though I was (alas) in great pain. I hope you plan to write and publish
more stories, if you have not already. By the way, the arm incident happened
months ago.
I am also a great fan of your father's works, especially
his science-fiction novels. Incidently, I read a few years ago in a magazine
that your brother Hulbert Burroughs, had prepared a script for a film version
of PRINCESS OF MARS, and it was to be titled JOHN CARTER ON MARS, and that
the movie was going to be shot in Italy. Could you fill me in on this?
Do you plan to write a series of adventures, such
as your father's Carson Napier, John Carter, and Tarzan series? Whatever,
I hope you do write more science-fiction novels.
I am, and always will be,
Respectfully, (sig)
Dwayne Wolff

Dear Mr. Burroughs:
I have been a fan of your father's for the past
several years and this is where I came across your illustrations. I first
saw them in the Canaveral edition of Back to the Stone Age.
Were the original pictures in color? And which
media did you draw (or paint as the case may be).
I am also interested in John Carter of Mars comic
strip which I have read about, but which I was born too late to ever read.
Did you use ERB's stories of Mars.
Will you or your brother finish the fragmentary
manuscripts left by ERB? I am curious because I have read your book Treasure
of the Black Falcon. Shall you publish another?

Sincerely yours,
Jeff Lee

HANDWRITTEN RESPONSE BY JCBACCOMPANIED BY FINISHED TYPED LETTER BY ERB INC SECRETARY ~ JCB/sks
~DATED June 27, 1968Dear Jeff
Please excuse the delay in responding to your nice
letter, but it became lost under a pile of bills on my desk top and was
just rescued yesterday. You asked several questions to which I shall try
to furnish answers.
The original cover for Back to the Stone Age was
painted in oil colors on canvas. The inside illustrations were done with
charcoal, watercolor, oil & Tempera on illustration board.
The J.C. of Mars Sunday page (comic strip) roughly
follows the ERB Princess of Mars.
As to finishing fragmentary MSs left by ERB I really
don't know now if my brother and/or I shall ever complete them.
I am working on another fantasy adventure novel
that may be finished within the next decade.
Thanks for your interest.
JCB

March 26, 1968
David L. Smelley
608 North Kaufman
Ennis, Texas 75119

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
I am very sorry I haven't thanked you for the beautiful
Christmas card I received from you last December. It was very nice of you
to send me one of your original cards. The painting of yours used in the
card is very good. I am glad to see an artist in the Burroughs family who
has taken an interest in illustrating some of Edgar Rice Burroughs' works.
I think you are the very person to do it. I've bought several of your dad's
books in Canaveral editions that you've illustrated and they're all very
good.
Now that E.R.B.. Inc. has a press and is putting
out their own editions (I Am A Barbarian will they be putting out
their own editions of his old and out of date novels and novelettes? I
would appreciate if if you would notify me when E.R,B. Inc. will be making
anymore releases. I have many of E.R.B.'s works in 1st editions and would
like to have the first off the E.R.B. press. In the future these should
be valuable. I am curious as to the value of the 1st editions of E.R.B.
and yourself in paperback. I have the 1st editions of Tarzan and the
Madman, and Tarzan and the Castaways, and The
Treasure of the Black Falcon. I was wondering if these paperbacks will
zoom in value as hardback first editions do. Surely they will, being 1st
editions. I am rather proud of my Burroughs collection and would like to
add anything you have written. I cannot find any of your books listed except
the "Black Falcon." Surely you've written others that I can obtain somewhere.
Please let me know about your editions and your dad's in new editions (E.R.B.
Inc.).
I am entering college this fall to study art. After
two years of art in Dallas, I plan to come to California to finish my art
education at the California College of Arts and Crafts. I want to write
during this time and throughout my career in art. Thanks a lot for listening
to me. I may want some more information later on some Burroughs editions,
if it's alright with you. Thanks again.
Yours truly
David Smelley

May 31, 1968
James R. Roseaad?
831 E Tally Ho
Las Vegas, Nev 89109

Dear Mr. Burroughs
I have put off writing this letter until I had finished
reading your book. The only thing I can say is that I hope that their are
more novels to come like it.
I owe your father a debt that can never be repaid,
also you and your publishing company for republishing your fathers books.
When I was younger about in the fourth or fifth grad I could see no reason
in reading books, only comic books and the National Geographic could interest
me. I was looking for to do on a very dull summer day when
I ran across a copie of "Tarzan of the Apes." After finding out it
was the same Tarzan from the comic books I started to read it; after I
had finished I looked for more, the library had some and so did some of
my friends. Since that day I have collected and read some 2500+ others
mostly paperback from Bond to Plato. That one book opened a whole new world
for me that might not have otherwise been opened for many years if ever.
I meet your wife through my girlfriends parents
on a recent trip to los Angeles during which she gave me a copy of your
book "Treasure of the Black Falcon" and told me of the start of a new book
delving into the insect world. Your wife told me that the next time I come
to L.A. if you are feeling well enough that I might come out to see you;
if that is possible I would like to ask you a question. People have always
told me that I have a very active imagination but try as I might I can't
even come close to what you and your father have somehow managed to populate
the floor of the ocean, distant planets, and the jungles of Africa with
not only with people and creatures but with entire civilizations that are
so realistic that it would not seen add for and of our subs to find a bubble
under the see and be welcomed by Phillip Montigue, or our first spacemen
to Mars to meet John Carter on their landing. What ever this gift is; and
it must be a gift; it has, is, and will bring enjoyment to many millions
of people all over the world for a long time to come.
I must close for now and do some more reading, if
there is ever anything I can do for you; either in the Airline industry
(I work for Western in Las Vegas) or anything else please don't hesitate
to let me know.
Sincerely
James R. Roseaad?